Laser shock processing to improve residual stresses with and without paint layer on 6061-T6 aluminum alloy

Laser shock processing (LSP) or laser shock peening has been proposed as a competitive alternative technology to classical treatments for improving fatigue and wear resistance of metals. This process induces a compressive residual stress field which increases fatigue crack initiation life and reduce fatigue crack growth rate. We present a configuration and results in the LSP concept for metal surface treatments in underwater laser irradiation at 1064 nm with and without a thin surface paint layer. A convergent lens is used to deliver 1, 2 J/cm2 with a 8 ns laser FWHM pulse produced by a 10 Hz, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with a spot diameter of a 1,5 mm moving forward along the workpiece. A LSP configuration with experimental results using a pulse density of 5000 pulses/cm2 in 6061-T6 aluminum samples are presented.